Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Paul Anderson on 29/11/2009 16:30:03

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: Paul Anderson on 29/11/2009 16:30:03

Paul Anderson  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris and team,

Before  I forget this, I shall mention it.

I just saw your article on lightning (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/articles/article/howdothunderstormswork-2/).

I have often wondered about whether that energy could be used. Could it be collected by satellites and then discharged at a particular time as they pass over a land based receptor station?
 
Regards
 
Paul
NZ

What do you think?

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: Mr. Scientist on 29/11/2009 23:19:11

Maybe. I've never really thought of it...

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: JnA on 30/11/2009 03:45:40

Surely the problem with harnessing lightning energy is being in the right place at the right time...

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: Mr. Scientist on 30/11/2009 04:11:58

Predicting a storm isn't too difficult. The satellites have been able to predictn days to come of weather...

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: JnA on 30/11/2009 04:18:43

how about predicting strikes? How are we on that?

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: ScientificBoyZClub on 30/11/2009 06:42:33

Quote from: JnA on 30/11/2009 04:18:43

how about predicting strikes? How are we on that?

no need to predict.
if you want to attract it.
YOU need charge.
and very big heights to place it.

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: Geezer on 30/11/2009 08:08:34

It's not that hard. If you send up a small rocket that unspools a small wire, the lightning will be happy to use the path to get to ground (although, technically, it's the other way round).

The problem is figuring out a way to store the large amount of energy received in a very short time so that it can be converted into useful work.

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: syhprum on 30/11/2009 09:05:36

It could be done but it would cost a ridiculous amount for the small amount of energy captured.
In a way it is captured, Nitrogen in the atmosphere is oxidised that acts as a fertiliser for vegetation.

Title: Can we harness the energy in lightning?
Post by: Mr. Scientist on 30/11/2009 15:31:58

Quote from: Geezer on 30/11/2009 08:08:34

It's not that hard. If you send up a small rocket that unspools a small wire, the lightning will be happy to use the path to get to ground (although, technically, it's the other way round).

The problem is figuring out a way to store the large amount of energy received in a very short time so that it can be converted into useful work.

I'm sure there is some way.